MOTORISTS using a main route through Fetcham face severe disruption over the next eight months while major water main improvement work is carried out in the village.

Work to replace a 2,255-metre stretch of pipeline, which partly runs along Cobham Road, is due to begin in the last week of September.

Sutton & East Surrey Water will replace the old 15in spun-iron water main that runs between the water company’s Leatherhead area pumping station and the Emerton Road junction with Cobham Road.

It is hoped the work, which includes installing a new 16in ductile iron pipeline under the River Mole, will resolve pipeline deterioration problems, which have led to bursts and flooding in the area in recent years.

But the improvement scheme, which is costing £600,000, will mean temporary traffic lights and other traffic management systems to maintain vehicle flow.

Rush-hour traffic will be affected as the work will be carried out by contractors Clancy Docwra on weekdays between 7.30am and 5pm.

Sutton & East Surrey Water said that although the overall project was not due to finish for at least seven months, it expected traffic lights would only be needed for about five months.

The company said it had warned local residents, businesses and shopkeepers about the expected delays.

“We recognise that the Cobham Road is a main route in the area and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience,” said project manager Kevin Shilling.

“But improvement work such as this has to take place if water supply standards are to be maintained.”

He said two main road closures were planned at the School Lane/Cannon Grove junction and the Cobham Road railway bridge, which could last for up to two weeks.

A bridleway near Mill Lane is also likely to be closed briefly while the pipeline is laid under the railway bridge. Diversions and road warning signs will be posted in the area.

Mr Shilling said the company did not think there would be any interruptions to water supplies in the area.